The next hire you’re avoiding is costing you millions—and your peace of mind. In this episode, I sit down with Talent Maximizer Roberta Matuson to unpack the real reason founders stall: people. We get honest about 3 a.m. recruitment anxiety, the fear of hiring someone better than you, and the scarcity mindset that keeps teams mediocre.  Roberta dismantles hire slow, fire fast principle, shows me how to attract A-players without the massive salaries, and explains why small firms have a hidden edge right now.  We cover when AI helps (and when it hurts), how magnetic leadership pulls talent to you, and practical ways to rewrite roles, filter candidates fast, and build a team that scales—and sells. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com 🙏 HOW TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESS STRATEGIST 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberta-matuson/ 28-Minute Power Session (10 Slots Only) What: A laser-focused, 28-minute coaching call to solve your biggest leadership or career challenge. Why: Quick, affordable, and results-driven. Perfect for today’s fast-paced world. Bonus: Free Kindle copy of one of my books—your choice. Investment: $199 (normally $495) For further info email: roberta@matusonconsulting.com ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: https://adamstrong.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop launching to crickets. What if the secret to a 7-figure launch isn't your product, but a hidden emotional driver you've completely missed? I'm sharing the 5-step framework that creates the demand and not the desperation. What if you knew precisely what makes your ideal client buy... before you even built the product? It all comes down to their hidden fears, their biggest frustrations, and their secret aspirations. Most entrepreneurs sell the solution; the smartest ones sell a way out of the pain. In this episode, I reveal the 5-step launch process that a $1B razor company and the world's most famous electric car brand used to create demand from thin air. This is the difference between guessing what works and launching with absolute certainty. How to find your customer's 'buy button': Learn to uncover the real psychological drivers (the fears and frustrations) that control your customer's wallet. The $1B razor secret: Discover how one company disrupted an entire industry by identifying a single, universal frustration their competitors ignored. The pre-launch playbook: I'll explain how an iconic CEO pre-sold hundreds of thousands of products before the factory was even built, creating a 3-year waitlist. The perceived value pricing trick: Stop trading time for money. Learn the 4-part pricing strategy that lets you charge more while making customers feel like they got a bargain. How to build an 'unbeatable offer: Find out how strategic partnerships can instantly elevate your product's status and make it the only logical choice in your market. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Chapters 00:00 Transforming Your Business with New Offers 00:57 Understanding Your Audience Through Research 03:43 Crafting a Unique Value Proposition 06:01 Testing Demand and Validating Your Offer 07:54 Strategic Pricing for Success 11:22 Enhancing Customer Experience Through Collaboration 🙏 HOW TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESS STRATEGIST 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the secret to building a audience of over 160,000 followers wasn't about grinding out content for 10 hours a day but instead it was about finding the 20% of AI prompts that generate 80% of the results, effectively creating an artificial version of yourself to do the heavy lifting? I brought on Charlie Hills a LinkedIn growth strategist that leverages AI tools to create an authentic personal brand. Charlie has over 160k+ followers on LinkedIn and turns audiences into opportunities. We break down why context engineering now beats prompt engineering, how to build a lightweight AI version of you that keeps your voice and judgement, and where AI agents actually make sense (and where humans still win). Charlie shares the visual tactics (carousels/cheat sheets) and we finish with a live audit of my LinkedIn profile so you can duplicate the same playbook for your own profile. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Chapters 00:00 Unlocking AI for Audience Growth 02:39 The Evolution of Personal Branding 05:32 Mastering AI Prompts and Context 08:13 Navigating AI Biases and Ethics 11:05 Understanding AI Agents 13:45 AI Hacks for Content Creation 16:38 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn 35:30 The Value of Lead Generation Posts 37:32 Strategies for Building a Following 39:49 The Daily Posting Debate 43:09 Content Creation and Audience Engagement 45:00 Profile Auditing and Improvement 01:02:12 Top Tips for Gaining Attention and Trust 🙏 HOW TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESS STRATEGIST 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-hills/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/charliehills/ Website https://cognified.io/ ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over five years ago, I launched a podcast with zero production experience, a lot of curiosity, and one goal: to empower business leaders to scale and exit with confidence. What started as the Game Changers Experience evolved into The Business Strategist – now downloaded in over 50 countries, with 360+ episodes and counting. In this candid conversation with my long-time friend and leadership powerhouse Chris Salem, I share exactly how I built a podcast that’s stood the test of time while others faded out.  We talk consistency, strategy, brand evolution, why I never miss an episode (even on holiday!), and where this platform is headed next—including the exciting leap toward becoming a full media company. Whether you're a founder, leader, or future podcaster, this episode will show you how to build something that lasts and grows with you. Here's what I covered Real Talk on Podcasting LongevityDiscover the behind-the-scenes decisions, structure, and mindset that kept this podcast alive every single week for over five years—when most die in their first season. From Side Project to Media PowerhouseLearn how I'm evolving The Business Strategist into a full-blown media company and what that means for content creation, reach, and impact in 2026 and beyond. The Secret to Consistency (Even on Holidays)I reveal the mental frameworks, routines, and identity shifts that made never missing an episode possible—even during Christmas or when travelling abroad. Why Niche Beats NoiseWe unpack why I intentionally didn’t chase the Joe Rogan model and why staying in your niche (scaling + exiting) builds deeper loyalty and bigger opportunities. A Glimpse into the Future of Business StrategyHear what’s coming next—episodes on M&A, post-exit identity shifts, AI integration, and interviews with founders who’ve actually exited—not just talked about it. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com 🙏 HOW TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESS STRATEGIST 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Linktree: https://linktr.ee/adamstrongofficial ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersalem Website: https://christophersalem.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scaling a business is simple—until it isn’t. Most founders sabotage their growth without even realising it. Are you making the same mistakes that could be quietly killing your scale-up? In today’s episode of The Business Strategist, I’m sharing the 10 most common pitfalls that derail founders when scaling—and more importantly, how to avoid them. These aren’t theoretical ideas. They come directly from my own journey and client conversations, along with stories and strategies you can apply immediately. Whether it’s expanding revenue streams, breaking free from the “doing it all myself” trap, or avoiding weak leadership that undermines your culture—this episode will help you see your business through a sharper lens and give you practical solutions you can use today. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever said yes to a client who drained your energy, disrespected your time, and made you regret chasing the money instead of protecting your business? In this episode of The Business Strategist, I share the 9 types of clients I’ll never work with again—and how you can spot them before they drain your profits and peace of mind. I also walk you through the 7 traits of an ideal client and the exact steps I use to pre-qualify, set boundaries, and make sure I only partner with people who energise me and deliver results. These lessons come from my own mistakes—including a recent nightmare client—and they’ll help you scale faster by saying yes to the right clients and no to the wrong ones. What you’ll learn The 9 toxic client archetypes that sabotage your business growth. My simple pre-qualification process to filter out red flags early. The 7 traits of an ideal client I now look for in every deal. How I use boundaries, accountability, and intuition to protect time and energy. Why saying no to the wrong clients is the fastest way to scale with freedom and focus. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Founders Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it here: https://www.notion.so/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-2341d950a9a5808080b5e57490e5c4b5 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the very habits that helped you start your business are now the same ones holding you back from scaling it? In this episode, Adam Strong sits down with Louisa Loran — former executive advisor at Google, Maersk, and Diageo — to unpack the hard truths about why most leaders stall out… and how the best transform themselves to break through complexity, chaos, and cultural traps. You’ll walk away with practical insights on how to: Spot the difference between busyness and true progress Balance strong strategy with personal empowerment Use collective intelligence without losing focus Steer your company with discipline while staying human-centered Create readiness for change instead of resistance to it This isn’t theory — it’s real-world lessons Louisa gained advising global giants, translated for the everyday founder scaling a 6–7 figure business. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment' and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisa-loran/  www.louisaloran.com/ ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you craft a founder story that cuts through noise and drives real growth? Every founder has a story—but most are forgettable. In this episode, I sit down with storytelling coach and creative director Jeff Abracen, who has mastered the art of transforming messy origin stories into powerful growth tools.  We dive into the DNA of disruptive storytelling—how to stand out, capture attention, and convert conversations into clients. Jeff shares how pattern-breaking stories create influence, why vulnerability (done right) builds authority, and the biggest mistake founders make that kills their message.  If you’ve ever wondered how to make your story resonate, stop the scroll, and actually drive business, this episode is your playbook. Jeff Abracen is a disruptive storytelling expert, speaker and podcast host.  Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Chapters 00:00 The Power of Storytelling 04:55 Defining Disruptive Storytelling 11:11 Common Mistakes in Storytelling 16:00 Being Interesting vs. Interested 21:49 The Importance of Relevance in Storytelling 27:49 Challenging Beliefs About Personal Stories 29:52 Overcoming Fear and Judgment in Storytelling 34:40 The Power of Storytelling and Connection 38:25 The Three Cs: Contrast, Connection, and Conversion 49:07 Simplicity in Storytelling and Its Impact 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/ Disruptive Storytelling Worksheet: Unlock your Disruptive DNA™ to craft stories that stand out, connect, and convert. Download here ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if time isn’t something you manage, but something you design—a tool that can multiply freedom, scale your business, and even reshape your legacy? Most entrepreneurs treat time like a relentless enemy—constantly running out, always slipping away. But what if that belief is costing you impact, growth, and freedom? In this episode, I sit down with John Coyle—Olympic silver medalist, 5x TEDx speaker, professor, and leading expert on the psychology and neuroscience of time.  We dive into the fascinating world of Chronos and Kairos—two radically different ways of experiencing time—and uncover how founders can shift from operator mode to visionary leadership. John shares why the value of time has nothing to do with its duration, how to trade money for time, and the simple shifts that help you create unforgettable Kairos moments in business and life.  He even puts me in the coaching hot seat—expect some “aha” moments along the way! If you’ve ever felt like time is controlling you, this conversation will completely reframe how you scale, exit, and design a life of freedom. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Chapters 00:00 Redefining Time: A New Perspective 02:03 From Athlete to Expert: The Journey of John Coyle 03:36 The Value of Time: Insights from Sports and Life 06:05 Time as Currency: Trading Time for Money 09:23 Chronos vs. Kairos: Understanding Time Dimensions 13:13 Creating Meaningful Moments: The Kairos Mindset 18:39 Navigating Time in Business: The Shift from Kronos to Kairos 22:23 The Importance of Connection: Building Relationships in Business 25:31 Self-Actualisation: The Journey Beyond Success 28:50 The Journey of an Athlete to a Mentor 31:04 Designing Memorable Experiences 33:52 The Framework of Memory Construction 37:31 Strategic Time Management for Founders 42:18 Creating Impactful Moments in Life 47:49 Experiences Over Material Possessions 49:09 The Value of Freedom and Choices 54:47 Key Takeaways for a Fulfilling Life 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business. Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST https://johnkcoyle.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@JohnKCoyle1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkcoyle1/ https://www.facebook.com/johnkcoyle/ https://www.instagram.com/coylejohnk/ Book “Design for Strengths” - https://dl.bookfunnel.com/gi30vzgh2t ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the biggest bottleneck in your business isn’t sales or strategy—it’s your emotional intelligence? In this episode I sit down with my long-time friend and collaborator Chris Salem—Fortune 500 advisor, bestselling author, and one of the clearest thinkers on EQ for leaders. We go beyond theory into what founders with 5–25 employees can actually do this week to reduce conflict, create psychological safety, delegate without drama, and sell with more trust. Here are my five key points The 5 controllables every founder must master: communication, behaviour, attitude, emotions, and action. A post-snap reset for when you’ve just lost your cool—and how to rebuild trust quickly. A practical delegation system that helps perfectionist founders stop micromanaging. How to run psychologically safe huddles that cut assumptions and lift KPIs. The 2-minute daily EQ check that keeps you focused on what you can control. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Business 02:54 Leadership Styles and Generational Differences 05:33 Common Struggles in Organisations 08:38 Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace 11:33 The Role of Self-Awareness in Emotional Intelligence 14:21 Communication Styles and Their Impact 17:17 Mastering Communication for Better Outcomes 25:47 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Adaptation 27:45 Delegation and Trust in Leadership 30:31 Psychological Shifts for Growth 35:04 Building Self-Discipline and Predictability 38:40 Using EQ in Presentations and Client Meetings 41:51 Daily EQ Habits for Founders 43:18 Future Aspirations and the Importance of Adaptation 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business. Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST Website: Facebook Page Instagram Twitter Linkedin YouTube ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the fastest way to grow your personal brand on LinkedIn had nothing to do with posting… and everything to do with commenting? I’m Adam Strong, The Business Strategist, and today’s episode has me genuinely fired up. I’m joined by my good friend Jasmin Alic — known by many as “The Commenting King” of LinkedIn. With over 240,000 followers, features in LinkedIn’s own publications, and clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to rising entrepreneurs, Jay is hands-down one of the most influential branding and copywriting experts on the planet. What makes him stand out isn’t just his reach — it’s his authenticity, humility, and his ability to break down the strategies most people overlook. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: In this episode, Jay reveals the exact commenting strategy that transformed him into a global authority on LinkedIn — and how you can use it to build visibility, authority, and trust faster than any posting schedule ever could. We dive deep into: The 12-step Commenting Matrix that turns simple engagement into real growth. How to avoid the biggest mistakes leaders make when building a brand online. Why your comments might be more powerful than your posts. And the psychology behind turning conversations into clients. If you’ve ever felt invisible on LinkedIn, or you’re tired of posting with little return, this episode will completely change how you see the platform. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 05:02 The Evolution of LinkedIn as a Content-Focused Platform 06:51 The Power of Commenting vs. Posting on LinkedIn 12:51 Providing Valuable Insights and Advice in Comments 19:45 Common Pitfalls and Mistakes in Building a Brand on LinkedIn 27:36 Building Connections and Growing Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn 28:33 The Power of Engaging with Other People's Posts 29:31 Creating a Content Strategy that Establishes Expertise and Builds Emotional Connection 40:09 The Seven Steps of Jay Alic's Commenting Strategy 49:28 Using a PS Comment to Prompt Further Engagement and Discussion 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business. Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicjasmin ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the very way you’re chasing growth is the reason you’ll never escape your business? I sat down with Damon Lembi on The Learn It All Podcast to unpack why so many founders stall out—and what it really takes to break past revenue plateaus while reclaiming your time.  I share the hard truths I see inside firms every week: why micromanagement keeps you stuck, how fear, ego, and identity quietly kill exits, and the practical moves to build consistent demand without hiring sprees.  We dive into my three-stage Exit Roadmap, the capacity math most leaders ignore, and the mindset shifts that let you step back without the wheels coming off. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: Why listen (what you’ll take away) The real difference between growth (energy-heavy, unsustainable) and scale (systems-first, profitable). The 3-stage exit: make the business not rely on you, maximise profitability with systems, and get sale-ready. How to replace micromanagement with a “right-hand” leader—and why this transition typically takes 18–24 months. A simple capacity & LTV/CPA check so you can scale revenue without bloating headcount. Building a product ecosystem and waitlist that creates demand at the top of the market (not a race to the bottom). If you’re stuck at a revenue plateau, want concrete CEO exit planning tips, and need sustainable scaling strategies that protect margins, this one’s for you. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Growth vs. Scale 02:45 The Importance of Clarity and Purpose 05:49 Fear and Ego in Business Exits 08:30 Mindset Shifts for Founders 11:19 Identifying and Overcoming Business Stagnation 13:58 The Role of Personal Branding 16:48 Creating Demand in Professional Services 19:50 Building a Product Ecosystem 22:31 The Impact of AI on Professional Services 25:11 Capacity and Client Management 28:09 Strategies for Sustainable Growth 30:50 Navigating Client Dependency 33:54 Final Thoughts on Exiting a Business 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business. Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST Damon Lambi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learn-it-all-podcast/id1714645917 ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your obsession with sales, funding, or AI isn't what's holding back your scale-up—what if it's your people strategy that's silently sabotaging your growth? As someone who's spent decades helping founders scale smart, I know how tempting it is to chase the next shiny penny: more sales, more funding, more tech. But after my conversation with today's guest, Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer—a USA Today best-selling author and a world-class executive coach—I realised that most founders underestimate their biggest growth engine: their people.  Cynthia opened my eyes to what she calls 'human capital investment,' a strategic approach that treats your talent like your most important asset. In this powerful episode, Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer breaks down the myths around talent management and explains how leaders often sabotage their businesses by treating talent as an expense rather than an investment.  We dive deep into practical frameworks for aligning your team with your business goals, reveal how to spot hidden high performers, and explore how predictive assessments can transform your hiring and development processes. If you want to avoid the costly mistakes most founders make and turn your talent into your competitive advantage—this episode is a must-listen. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now: https://adamstrong.notion.site/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-220f5f71e63b80bc91a0d7e0ca050c82?source=copy_link Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Human Capital in Business Growth 04:49 Understanding Human Capital Management 10:26 Mindset Shift: From Industrial to Digital Revolution 15:46 The Science of Talent Assessment 21:31 Framework for Identifying Talent in the Right Roles 25:25 Navigating Team Dynamics and Performance 27:44 Addressing Underperformance in Family Businesses 31:18 Identifying Skills vs. Attitude Issues 35:14 Transitioning from Startup to Scale-Up 38:40 The Cost of Neglecting Company Culture 42:22 Regrets in People Decisions 43:42 Upcoming Book and Future of Human Capital 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: www.cynthiabentzenmercer.com https://www.youtube.com/@DrCynthiaBentzenMercer https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcynthiabentzenmercer/ Organizational Readiness assessment: Resources — Bentzen Performance Partners Global Organizational Development Strategist Company ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the biggest thing blocking your next level… is the version of you that got you here? In this conversation, I sat down with the brilliant Taryn Voget, founder of The Genius Lab and host of The Everyday Genius Show. Over the last 15 years, she’s been the go-to guide for visionary founders, creatives, and CEOs ready to reconnect with who they really are — not just what they’ve built. If you’re scaling fast but something feels off… If you’ve hit your targets but feel strangely stuck… If you’re wondering what’s next — but can’t put your finger on it… This episode will strike a nerve. We explore: Why genius has nothing to do with IQ or hustle The real reason founders burn out — and how to fix it How to spot (and shift) subconscious patterns sabotaging your momentum Why passion and intuition aren’t “soft skills” — they’re your power source What to do if you’ve outgrown the version of success you created Taryn even turned the tables and coached me live — and let’s just say, she didn’t miss. If you’re serious about aligning purpose with performance, this is one to revisit more than once. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Founders Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it here Chapters 00:00 Unlocking Your Inner Genius 02:37 The Importance of Self-Awareness 05:41 Understanding Genius and Passion 08:24 Navigating Burnout and Passion 11:14 The Role of Ego in Entrepreneurship 14:01 Transformational Journeys of Founders 16:53 The Paradox of Passion and Shadow 19:41 The Intersection of Spirituality and Business 22:28 Identifying Subconscious Patterns 24:32 Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs 33:42 Breaking Through Belief Systems 36:13 The Impact of Hard Work vs. Smart Work 37:56 Transformative Life Moments 38:55 Navigating Transitions and Discovering Passion 41:35 Identifying Readiness for Change 42:37 Intuition and the Process of Discovery 44:43 Vulnerability and Trust in Coaching 45:31 Understanding Genius and Role Models 49:43 The Journey to Fulfillment 50:56 Creating a Life of Choice and Excitement 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.youtube.com/@tarynvoget https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarynvoget/ https://www.everydaygenius.tv/  https://tarynvoget.substack.com ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong The founders exit accelerator waitlist, click here to learn more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you still sending copy-paste outreach messages on LinkedIn and wondering why no one’s replying? Let me be blunt — most LinkedIn outreach is lazy, robotic, and instantly ignored. But what if you could turn it into your highest-converting lead engine... without being salesy, spammy, or pushy? In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the exact 5-step outreach strategy I’ve used — and help my clients use — to consistently book quality sales calls with decision-makers. It’s built on permission, psychology, and simplicity. You’ll learn how to: Why most outreach gets ignored (and how to flip the script) The #1 shift to make your message stand out instantly How to spark curiosity without sounding salesy A simple tactic to double your reply rate The follow-up rule that keeps deals alive Plus: My go-to KPI tracker and the top tools we use to automate outreach. 🎁 Bonus: https://www.notion.so/The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Creating-Clarity-in-Your-Business-Strategy-2341d950a9a580e991d5c47a491bdab4 This episode is straight talk for serious founders and consultants who are tired of cold DMs that don’t go anywhere — and are ready to build a reliable outbound engine without killing their brand in the process. 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Links: https://app.heyreach.io/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had no idea the first episode with Rory Kilmartin would explode the way it did — it quickly became one of the most downloaded shows we’ve released for a while. So I brought him back. This time, we go even deeper into the archetypal patterns shaping how we lead, build teams, and scale businesses. We unpack why communication breaks down, why trust erodes, and why even the best strategy won’t work if your human operating system is out of sync. If you’ve ever felt friction with your team, struggled to hire the right people, or hit a wall trying to scale or exit — this episode will shift something. It did for me. Rory Kilmartin is a researcher, philosopher, and creator of the Human Operating System — a framework that helps leaders understand the deep archetypal patterns driving behaviour, conflict, and performance. His work has changed how I see leadership, and I think it will do the same for you. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now: https://adamstrong.notion.site/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-220f5f71e63b80bc91a0d7e0ca050c82?source=copy_link Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Archetypal Constructs 03:44 Understanding the Four Archetypes 06:26 Strengths and Weaknesses of Archetypes 09:09 The Importance of Communication Styles 12:04 Navigating Conflicts Between Archetypes 14:53 Real-World Applications of Archetypal Wisdom 17:41 The Role of Archetypes in Leadership 20:37 Creating a Cohesive Team Environment 34:24 Understanding Behavioural Archetypes in Business 43:24 The Challenges of Business Exits for Founders 48:07 Navigating Personal and Professional Archetypes 53:59 The Power of Archetypal Wisdom in Leadership 01:02:50 Transforming Relationships Through Archetypal Understanding 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.facebook.com/rorykilmartin https://www.instagram.com/rorykilmartin/ https://www.youtube.com/rorykilmartin https://x.com/RoryKilmartin FREE Masterclass https://archetypalrelationships.com/Masterclass  ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you knew about marketing was wrong? Is the secret to standing out in a noisy world actually... being more human? Forget chasing perfection—connection is what cuts through. But how do you stay real in an AI-dominated landscape? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Phil Treagus-Evans, co-founder of the award-winning agency Giraffe Social and author of the bestselling book Human First Marketing. Phil’s on a mission to strip the BS out of brand-building and help us rethink what real connection looks like in business today. We talk about how AI is changing marketing (for better or worse), why lo-fi content outperforms the polished stuff, and how trust—not tactics—is the new currency. Phil even coaches me live on my own brand strategy—so if you're building yours, you’ll want to grab a pen and play along. This conversation is honest, challenging, and packed with practical gems. If you’re tired of robotic content and want to stand out by being you, this one’s for you. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now Chapters 00:00 The Shift to Human-First Marketing 02:57 Understanding Authenticity in Marketing 05:44 The Impact of AI on Marketing Strategies 08:39 Creating Unpolished Content 11:22 The Empath Framework for Customer Understanding 14:02 Navigating AI in a Human-Centric World 25:08 Drafting AI Policies for Transparency 26:33 Building Community in a Distracted World 30:22 The Value of Content Creation 34:42 Human-First Marketing in B2B 39:04 Lessons from Writing a Book 41:23 Coaching Insights and Personal Branding 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-treagus-evans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philtreagusevans/ The book: https://amzn.eu/d/dBtmCi9 ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are YOU the Soul-Sucking CEO? What if the biggest barrier to growth in your company… is you? In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Garry Ridge — former CEO of WD-40, Top 10 USA Today bestselling author, and one of the most grounded, wise leaders I know.  Over 25 years, Garry scaled WD-40 into a $3.6 billion global powerhouse — not through ego or control, but by building a culture of belonging, learning, and trust. We dive deep into what most leaders get wrong about company culture, how to recognise (and eliminate) toxic behaviours, and why servant leadership is the most powerful leadership style for scaling a business and empowering teams. You’ll hear: How Garry resisted short-term shareholder pressure and stayed true to long-term vision The “Petri Dish” model for spotting and fixing culture problems What it means to lead with vulnerability — and why it works Why clarity, transparency, and values are the foundation of a high-performing team How to know if you’re the one holding your business back JOIN the waitlist to get early access to our community for CEO's and founders that want to scale fast and exit fast.  Join here: https://forms.gle/qKBPJG59hArpPtgi6 This episode is a leadership masterclass — whether you’re a founder trying to scale, an executive looking to exit, or someone building a company where people love to work. Grab a pen. Take notes. Rewind it. This one’s worth listening to more than once. Breakdown  00:00 Introduction to Leadership Insights 05:01 Garry Ridge's Journey to CEO 10:27 Mental Resilience in Leadership 12:43 Tough Leadership Decisions 15:50 Creating a Culture of Belonging 18:13 Identifying Toxic Culture 21:06 The Role of a Leader as a Coach 23:09 Defining Success and Winning 24:30 Leading with Vulnerability and Clarity 27:21 The Smartest CEOs: What They Get Wrong 29:21 Identifying Gaps in Leadership 30:19 Building a Global Company Culture 31:28 Navigating Tough Times with Transparency 35:24 Dealing with Cultural Outliers 36:40 Starting to Build a Positive Culture 37:42 The Journey of Leadership and Learning 40:31 Reflections on Leadership Journey 43:20 Final Thoughts and Leadership Tips 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 ⁠Apple⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠ ABOUT THE GUEST 📘 Don’t forget to check out Garry’s new book Any Dumb Ass Can Do It and take his “Dumbass Quiz” at ⁠TheLearningMoment.net⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge⁠ ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong⁠ Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth quiz: ⁠https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your business bleeding time, energy, and money because you’re trying to serve everyone? Discover why focusing on ONE high-value problem is the fastest path to unstoppable growth. In this episode, I break down my powerful “FOCUSED” framework—a step-by-step process to niche down without fear of missing out.  I share my own struggles with being too broad, the mindset shifts that changed everything, and exercises you can do alone or with your team to move from generalist to specialist.  You’ll learn how to face your resistance, pinpoint your most profitable problem, clarify exactly who you serve, and design premium offerings that clients crave—setting you apart in a crowded market. If your growth feels stuck, this episode is your breakthrough. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now here. Chapters 00:00 Unlocking Growth Through Niching Down 02:52 The Focused Framework Explained 05:32 Overcoming Resistance to Niching 08:08 The Power of Specialisation 11:13 Identifying Your Ideal Customer 13:59 Testing Your Niche Effectively 15:58 Establishing Value-Based Pricing 18:49 Designing Evolution Paths for Growth 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How I became a LinkedIn Top Voice without ads, algorithms, or hacks — and how you can too. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I earned LinkedIn’s Top Voice badge — not by playing the game, but by rewriting it. No shortcuts. No gimmicks. Just pure clarity, consistency, and connection. You’ll get the updated playbook for 2025, learn what really matters to LinkedIn, and understand why brand authority isn't built on trends — it’s built on truth. Whether you’re stuck at mediocre engagement or chasing credibility in your space, this episode breaks it all down. If you’re ready to position yourself as the go-to expert in your industry, you’ll want to take notes. If you disappeared tomorrow, would your business survive — or stall? Take the Exit Readiness Assessment to find out. Click here to get your personalised score.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to LinkedIn Top Voice Badge 03:11 Understanding the LinkedIn Top Voice Badge Program 05:49 Benefits of Being a Top Voice 09:21 Best Practices for Achieving Top Voice Status 15:10 Content Creation Strategies for LinkedIn 17:46 Conclusion and Call to Action 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices